Written answers

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Department of Social Protection

Carer's Allowance Payments

Photo of Eugene MurphyEugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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328. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason payment of carer's allowance is seen as an extra income for carers when, in many situations, it enables a loved one to stay in their home as opposed to costing the State thousands of euro in residential care; and if he will ensure that carer's allowance is means tested to ensure families can continue to look after their loved ones. [14753/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I would like to acknowledge the key role that carers have in our society. The importance of their contribution is reflected in the range of significant supports provided by my Department to support carers in their caring role and ameliorate the financial burden of caring - indeed it is worth pointing out that the income supports that carers receive from my Department are among the highest rates in Europe.

The income supports for carers from my Department include carer’s benefit (CB), carers allowance (CA) (including half-rate carer’s allowance), carer’s support grant (CSG), domiciliary care allowance (DCA), household benefits package ( HBP )(to carers residing with the recipient of care), and the free travel scheme.

CA is a means tested payment for people who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who needs it. Carers’ providing care to more than one person are entitled to a 50% additional payment.

I must point out that the income disregard and means test for carers is the most generous within the social welfare system and the amount of weekly earnings disregarded is €332.50 for a single person and €665 for a couple. A couple under 66 with two children, earning a joint annual income of up to €35,400 can qualify for maximum payment Carer’s Allowance while such a couple earning €59,300 will still qualify for the minimum rate.

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